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 * 2) Why is Boo Radley, a man who is hidden away for nearly the entire novel, such an important figure in //To Kill a Mockingbird//? Why are Jem and Scout and Dill so fascinated by him?**

Boo Radley is such an important man in this novel because he is this mysterious guy who everyone wonders about. Jem, Scout, and Dill all decide to make this character seem even more scary. There imagination makes them create a whole act and story about them, but it is hardly true. They wonder like kids their age should. Also, since the town is so small everyone knows who everyone is. Since Boo Radley is the only person they do not know they think all the rumors are true. The reason Boo was hidden away for much of this novel is because he got in trouble with the law and his father promised the town he would keep him out of trouble. Also, Boo Radley is a foot washing baptist which means he can only read the bible and cannot have fun like the rest of the town. I agree with what Dave Massi said because Dill, Jem, and Scout definetly want to find out more about Boo Radley. They are fascinated in what he looks like and does just like Dave said. If he was not a trouble maker he probably would come out of his house and see the neighborhood. //Kaitlin M.//

Boo Radley is hidden away so much during the novel for many reasons. In the beginning Boo was hidden away because his father found out he got in trouble with the law. He was put away for that in his house for a long time. He then stabbed his father with scissors. He was put away for that, too. Now he is put away by his uncle Nathan Radley. Jem, Scout, and Dill are so fascinated by him because they want to find out the truth about Boo. They want to know what he looks like. There have been so many rumors all around Maycomb about Boo, but the kids want to find out if they're true. Jem and Scout want to find out about him because they find stuff in his tree. They found two soaps carved to look like them. I agree with what Suzzane Longo said. She is very right in the aspect that maybe Boo put all that stuff in the tree to get the kids attention. Maybe he just wants some friends to play with. He might have never got the chance to have friends because he was always locked up in his house by his family. //Dave M.//

I agree with Dave's answer to this question. Boo Radley has been hidden in the house for so long because he is locked up for getting into trouble with the law, and stabbing his father. His uncle then locks him up. Boo Radley is important to the story because Jem, Dill and Scout are fascinated with him and the rumors that circulate around him throughout the book. Jem, Dill and Scout want to know about Boo because they have never seen him, but they want to find out about him. They know Boo is watching them when they find things Boo leaves for them in the tree, so they feel a connection to him. They wonder if Boo will ever come out, and if he does, they want to see for themselves. //Melissa L.

Boo Radley is locked away for getting in trouble with the law, stabbing his father, and many other reasons. He is important to the book because it gives the book mystery. He also makes people want to read the book more because he is very interesting. Jem Scout and Dill are so interested by him because they were bored and thinking about him is something to do. that is why they played the game "Boo Radley", where they acted out Boo and his mom and uncle. Boo is one of the most interesting things in town, that is why he attracts so much attention. Thomas P.

I agree with Nora on her entry about Scout. My cousin is a bit of a tomboy mostly because she always plays with her brother, just like scout. I also agree that Scout is unusual because in the time period of the book, most girls wore dresses. I can also slightly relate to Scout because things I don't understand can scare me. I agree that Scout is a bit unusual but most people are not completely normal. Thomas P.//

At first, Boo Radley seemed like he's a serious criminal and a retarded person. But as the story goes on, more information is given on him and I realized that he's not as bad as I thought he was. Boo Radley is still a very mysterious figure but I think he'll make a big change in the novel later on. From what I read so far, I think he just wants someone to acknowledge him and notice that he exists. That is why he left stuff in the tree for the kids to find. Jem, Scout and Dill are fascinated by him because there are so many different rumors of Boo Radley and they want to find out the truth.

Miri L.

Boo Radley is such and important character in To Kill A Mocking Bird because of the fact he had stabbed his father. This made him a legend to the kids of this town and to all people. Also he is hidden so much because his father locked him in his house for basically his whole life. He was locked in the house for most of his life and never felt what it was like to be a kid or to be outside and run around like they do. DIll and Jem imitate Boo's life because they admire it greatly... at least I see it this way. They imitate his life because it for one is fun but also they are both extremly fascinated on him and his legendary life. Boo is mysterious but i believe he will have a huge impact in the novel later on. Marcello P.

I agree with everyone. The reason Boo Radley is so important to __To Kill A Mockingbird__ because he is a powerful symbol/character of goodness that most people find creepy. Even though he's good inside, the townspeople of Maycomb make up many rumors about him and about what he does. Scout and Jem are extremely fascinated by him. They make up "plays" about Boo Radley. He is the source of all gossip of Maycomb. Everyone finds him intersting...because of his past. I think Boo Radley should come out of his house (or break out if he can't just leave.) He should get his story out there, so people can finally understand him.
 * //Ben M//**.